If you’re looking for a Yorkshire Terrier to bring home but would prefer a cross breed, you may want to consider a Yorkipoo.
Sometimes described as a designer dog, the Yorkipoo is a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Poodle.
In theory, crossing two established breeds can produce a perfect blend between the two different types of dogs.
The Yorkipoo is thought of as a breed that is good for allergy sufferers, although there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog.
Yorkshire Terriers have a coat that is often likened to human hair, while Poodles have unique fur that doesn’t shed a lot.
In this article, we’ll take a close look at the Yorkipoo and learn more about this popular cross breed.
We’ll speak to Yorkipoo owners to learn more about this member of the Doodle family. We’ll hear from Jaxson (@actionjaxson_yorkiepoo) and Fred (@yorkiepoofred).
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What Is A Yorkipoo?
Jaxson the Yorkipoo (Photo: @actionjaxson_yorkiepoo / Instagram)
You’d be forgiven for being a little bit confused by the name Yorkipoo. While some might think you’re talking about the potty habits of a Yorkshire Terrier, a Yorkipoo is infact a cross between a Yorkie and a Poodle.
They also have a variety of other names: Yoodle, Yorkapoo, Yorkerpoo, Yorkiepoopoo and Yorkiedoodle.
The breed is thought to have been created around 10 years ago. Designer dogs have become increasingly popular over the past decade.
Yorkshire Terrier and toy sized Poodles were bred together to create a small companion dog that would incorporate the characteristics of both breeds.
Given the Yorkie makes a great family dog, while the Poodles are considered to be very intelligent dogs, the aim was to create a well-balanced pup.
The Yorkipoo have a reputation for being hypoallergenic dogs. We must point out that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog (something which the American Kennel Club website’s states clearly).
But there are a number of reasons why Yorkipoo may be better suited for those with an allergy to dogs give the type of hair both the Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle have.
Yorkipoo Appearance
Fred the Yorkiepoo (Photo: @yorkiepoofred / Instagram)
Yorkipoo can come in a variety of different colors, although some are more common than others.
You’ll be able to find Yorkiedoodles in colors such as brown, black, gray and white.
The most common variety is brown and tan, which obviously mirrors the color of the Yorkshire Terrier.
Yorkipoo Size
Jaxson the Yorkipoo (Photo: @actionjaxson_yorkiepoo / Instagram)
Yorkipoo has quite an extensive size range – they can grow to sizes between 15cm and 30cm (4 inches and 14 inches) in height.
They can weigh as little as 1.5kg (6lbs), but other Yorkipoo dogs can weigh as much as 3.5kg (15lbs).
A Yorkipoo could keep growing in height up until the age of four.
Emily gave us an insight into Jaxson’s size.
Jaxson is very small only 5 pounds with long legs. He has light brown hair that gets very fluffy and a little wavy when it’s grown out. He has big floppy ears and a tiny little face. He looks like a puppy even though he is almost 5 years old.
Sarah explained that Fred is likely to grow to the average size of a Yorkie.
Fred is 2.3kgs at the moment but will grow to the size of an average Yorkie. He’s a small dog with a big attitude!
Yorkipoo Temperament
Fred the Yorkiepoo (Photo: @yorkiepoofred / Instagram)
Yorkipoo can inherit traits from their Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle parent. In spite of claims that Yorkipoo breeders might make, it’s impossible to predict which characteristics this mix will inherit from each parent. Yorkipoo can make excellent companion pets given their small size. They’ll usually enjoy being in the company of their pet parents. However, this particular mix can have an independent streak, which means they might not be your quintessential lap dogs.
Sarah provided us with her assessment of Yorkipoo temperament based upon her experience with Fred.
He is very good tempered. He is a happy little guy, very curious and a bit of a daredevil. No ledge is too high to try jump off! He can have a little bit of a stubborn streak if you tell him off for being bold he throws a little strop but he is only 12 weeks old.
Yorkipoo Coat
Yorkipoo tend to have a coat that mirrors the Yorkshire Terrier in texture. It’s silky and soft, but can grow to be quite long.
Given the Poodle’s influence in this cross breed, Yorkipoo can have curly hair like the world’s second most intelligent dog.
The Yorkipoo is often dubbed a hypoallergenic breed. Here’s Sarah to give her verdict on this topic.
They are [hypoallergenic]! A mix of two hypoallergenic dogs so no dog hair everywhere and no itchy eyes or sneezing.
Does Yorkipoo Shed?
As we mentioned above, the Yorkipoo is often talked up as a hypoallergenic dog breed. That’s because the cross breed incorporates the features of both the Yorkshire Terrier.
The Yorkie has human-like hair that doesn’t shed as much as some dog breeds, which can make them a potential solution for pet parents with an allergy to dogs. However, dander and salvia can be potential triggers.
It’s worth nothing that while the American Kennel Club doesn’t list the Yorkie as a hypoallergenic breed, the Kennel Club in the UK do name the Yorkshire Terrier as a hypoallergenic dog breed.
Poodles, on the other hand, are put forward by both organizations as dogs that don’t shed a lot thanks to their unique coats. They’ve got predictable coats that are thought to produce less dander. This is little particles of skin that can often trigger an allergy, rather than the dog hair.
The degree of shedding can depend on whether your Yorkipoo’s coat takes after their Poodle or Yorkshire Terrier parent.
Emily hasn’t experienced any shedding with Jaxson.
No [he doesn’t shed] because they are bred with the Poodle. They are hypoallergenic and do not shed.
Why Is My Yorkipoo Shedding?
Jaxson the Yorkipoo (Photo: @actionjaxson_yorkiepoo / Instagram)
Sometimes a Yorkipoo will mirror the physical traits of one breed in particular. So, if you’ve got a Yorkiedoodle that has coat more similar to a Yorkshire Terrier than a Poodle, you could get some shedding.
The Poodle is a low-shedding dog but the Yorkshire Terrier is not. While the Yorkie has hair similar to a humans, it does shed. It may not occur at the same rate as other dogs breeds.
How To Groom Yorkipoo
Yorkipoo require grooming whether they reflect the traits of a Yorkshire Terrier or a Poodle.
A Yorkipoo with more physical similarities to a Yorkie will need regular grooming to ensure their hair doesn’t become matted or tanged, while one that resemble a Poodle with regards to their fur will need to be brushed to get rid of any dead hair.
It is recommended that you brush Yorkipoo regularly to maintain the health of their coats, while they’re require trimming every couple of months.
Are Yorkipoo Good Family Pets?
Fred the Yorkiepoo (Photo: @yorkiepoofred / Instagram)
Yorkipoo can thrive in a family environment. They like to receive plenty of attention and enjoy the company of humans. As a result, they’ll become quickly attached to family members in the household.
They do well with children because they’re gentle but relish a little play time. Due to their size, older kids may be a better fit because they’ll still need to be handled with care.
You should never leave a child unsupervised with any dog.
Emily explained that Jaxson has a deep affinity for his fellow family members.
Jaxson is a great family dog and has bonded with all of our family members really well. He will go from lap to lap and is trusting of all of us. He is loyal and fun and has a playful personality.
Sarah added that Fred loves interacting with his family.
We have only had Fred a short time but can’t imagine life without him now. He is full of love, play and happiness. Loves to cuddle and play with toys. He was very easy to house train, positive reinforcement with treats worked wonders. He goes out, does his business and comes in and sits down for his treat.
Do Yorkipoo Suffer With Separation Anxiety?
Jaxson the Yorkipoo (Photo: @actionjaxson_yorkiepoo / Instagram)
Given their attachment to humans and their intelligence, Yorkipoo isn’t a dog that likes to be left alone for long spells. They can become anxious and bored. Separation anxiety can affect any dog irrespective of breed or mix. This canine disorder manifests itself when Yorkipoos are left at home alone. The symptoms can include barking, chewing, howling, digging, defecating and urinating.
Sarah noted some potential signs that Fred does suffer with separation anxiety.
He doesn’t like to be left on his own much, but does like to go on his own little adventures around the garden. When going to bed he will cry a little bit, feeling sorry for himself that everyone is gone.
Are Yorkipoo Easy To Train?
Whether a Yorkipoo is easy to train can depend on what parent they take after. Poodles are recongised as the second most intelligent dog breed in the world (behind the Border Collie). As a result, they’re usually quick to learn new commands and tend to obey their owners.
However, Yorkshire Terriers have earned a reputation for sometimes being stubborn little dogs. With consistent and persistent training, they should learn basic obedience pretty quickly. However, Yorkies do have a reputation for being difficult to housebreak.
Fortunately, Jaxson proved motivated to learn thanks to some help from tasty treats as rewards.
Jaxson was very easy to train we got him as a puppy and he was potty trained within the first few weeks of us having him. He also knows several tricks and is very treat motivated.
Yorkipoo Exercise
Fred the Yorkiepoo (Photo: @yorkiepoofred / Instagram)
The Yorkipoo may be a small dog, but don’t be fooled, they require a lot of exercise. They like to be active, whether it’s going for a walk, jogging with their owner or a trip to the dog park.
Again, the amount of exercise that a Yorkipoo requires will depend on whether they’re more like their Yorkie or Poodle parent.
Jaxson doesn’t require a lot of daily exercise, according to Emily.
Yorkiepoos are small dogs and do not require a lot of exercise a walk or a nice game of fetch is usually enough for him. About once a week, we will do a longer walk to get him some extra outdoor time but he loves playing fetch in the house too!
Are Yorkipoo Fussy Eaters?
Yorkipoo can be fussy eaters just like any other breed or mix of dog. As an owner of two picky Alaskan Klee Kai, I understand the stress associated with your dog refusing to eat their meals. Having reviewed a variety of different dog food types and brands on the website, I strongly believe in dog food delivery companies that prepare fresh meals tailored to your dog’s needs before shipping their food direct to your door. Nom Nom (USA) and Butternut Box (UK) are two of the leading options in this market.
Fortunately, Sarah hasn’t experienced any fussiness with her Yorkipoo Fred.
He definitely is not a fussy eater, he actually barks when he sees you get the bag of food and does a little happy dance. Once you keep them on a diet of dog food and treats they are great. Less human food the better, it only leads to problems down the line.
Yorkipoo Life Expectancy
Yorkipoo tend to have quite a long lifespan. Most members of the breed will enter into double figures.
In fact, the average lifespan of a Yorkipoo is 15, which is quite the milestone for dogs.
Of course, some can surpass that number given the cross breed is thought to be a healthy mix.
Yorkipoo Health Problems
While Yorkipoo are considering a healthy and strong breed, they can still be prone to some health problems. These include:
• Patellar Luxation – this occurs when the kneecap becomes dislocated from the thigh bone.
• Epilepsy – a neurological problem that can cause seizures in dogs.
• Hypothyroidism – a low level of thyroid hormones can cause a variety of problems, including weight gain and skin issues.
• Atopic Dermatitis – a chronic and severe skin condition that is the result of a reaction to allergies.
Do Yorkipoos Bark A Lot?
Given Yorkshire Terriers have a reputation for barking quite a bit, it could be a potential challenge that a Yorkipoo owner might face. It depends on each individual Yorkipoo and whether it favours the Yorkie or Poodle parent more.
However, Yorkipoo – like the Yorkshire Terrier – can make good watch dogs that will alert their pet parents to any strangers or unwanted visitors at the door.
How Much Is A Yorkipoo?
Jaxson the Yorkipoo (Photo: @actionjaxson_yorkiepoo / Instagram)
Yorkipoo can prove to be quite expensive dogs. They can start at around $800, but some unique Yorkipoo could cost as much as $10,000.
The average price appears to be around $1500, although the cost of a Yorkipoo can depend on each individual breeder (and dog).
Other potential costs include dog food, pet insurance, grooming, vet trips and much more. You can check out the best pet insurance options in the USA and the UK.
In Emily’s experience, she’s found that Yorkipoo don’t tend to be expensive.
This depends on the breeder or where you get them. Typically they are not overly expensive because they are a mix breed or mutt.
Yorkipoo breeders near me
So you’ve got your heart set on a Yorkipoo. Your first stop should be your local rescue shelter to see if there’s a member of this cross breed that needs a forever home.
If you’re looking to purchase a Yorkipoo, you need to do proper research and due diligence. We recommend contacting reputable breeders that will let you see a Yorkipoo pup along with it’s mother. By doing so, you can insure that the mother is in a healthy condition and has been looked after appropriately.
Yorkipoo to follow on Instagram
In our experience, dog owners on social media are more than happy to answer questions or provide insight into a particular breed or mix. Here are some Yorkipoo owners to check out on Instagram.
• Jaxson (@actionjaxson_yorkiepoo)
• Fred (@yorkiepoofred)
In conclusion
Jaxson the Yorkipoo (Photo: @actionjaxson_yorkiepoo / Instagram)
If you’re looking for a well balanced dog that is smart but friendly, then look no further than the Yorkipoo.
These little dogs are created by crossing a Poodle and a Yorkshire Terrier.
With a coat that could be ideal for those with an allergy to dogs, Yorkipoo do require regular grooming.
They may be small but they require regular exercise to keep them happy and in shape.
